Leader Spotlight #12 - Martin Lee

Martin Lee is of Chinese heritage and leads Vantage Engineering as its director.

1. Background and Inspiration: Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the property and construction industry?

I've always had a deep curiosity about engineering—how physical systems function and come together to keep the world running. My path into building services and consulting was somewhat unexpected, it was about being at the right place at the right time. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful to have found my way into this industry. It offers the perfect balance between engineering design, engaging with clients, and witnessing ideas transform into tangible realities.

2. Leadership and Diversity: How do you integrate your cultural background into your leadership style, or how do you advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry?

Coming from a migrant family and having spent most of my life in Australia, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly how my cultural background has influenced my leadership style. I believe leadership is shaped by many small elements—taking accountability for your and your team’s actions, genuinely caring for your staff, and continuously learning from every experience. Being surrounded by diversity in both people and thought within the industry allows me to constantly refine my leadership approach. It’s encouraging to see that most businesses in the sector now recognise diversity as a strength, fostering more inclusive and innovative workplaces.

3. Advice for Aspiring Professionals: What advice would you give to young professionals from multicultural backgrounds who aspire to leadership roles in the property and construction industry?

The property and construction industry are evolving, and we’re now seeing more leaders emerge from diverse backgrounds—challenging the traditional leadership mold. It’s inspiring to be a part of this shift and serve as a role model for younger engineers. My advice to aspiring professionals is simple: focus on mastering your craft, push yourself to grow beyond your immediate role, and build a strong network outside your firm. Excellence in your current responsibilities will naturally open doors for new opportunities. Leadership isn’t just about a title—it’s about consistently showing initiative, learning from every experience, and striving to elevate both yourself and those around you.

4. Future Vision: In your opinion, how can the property and construction industry better support multiculturalism?

Unconscious bias still exists in the industry, often leading to stereotypes that overlook individual strengths. To better embrace multiculturalism, businesses must focus on aligning roles with the right talent. A brilliant engineer who doesn’t have English as their first language shouldn’t be judged on their presentation skills—rather, their technical expertise should be valued. True inclusivity means recognising diverse skill sets and creating opportunities that allow people to thrive in roles best suited to their strengths.

5. Cultural Celebrations: Can you share a significant cultural celebration or festival from your heritage that holds special meaning for you?

I’m not particularly festive, whether it’s a Chinese cultural event or traditional celebrations like Christmas. What I truly value is the chance to spend time with family and friends. In our industry, work often takes priority, so I appreciate moments that allow me to reconnect with the simple pleasures in life.